Despite their large size and weight (up to 2500 pounds, or 1134 kg), horses are generally thought of as gentle creatures; however their hooves can cause great damage by kicking or trampling.

The fur of a horse is mostly very short, forming an almost skintight covering, except on the head and back of the neck, which grows long into a formation called the mane; and the tail, which is specialised in horses for protecting the rear from flies: it has a bunch of long, very fine hairs which are swiped to disturb the flies. Horse tails are prized for their silk-like hairs.

The horse is largely a domestic animal, and has been bred for centuries. The species which produced the horse no longer exists in the wild, although some wild horse species exist.

Horses have been selectively bred to enhance various qualities, enabling them to fulfill various roles in their work for humans. Draft horses are bred for power, and are thus large and heavy; show horses are bred for grace and beauty; race horses, for speed.